This section of the Appalachian Trail gives you some of the best views of the highest peaks in Virginia. From Buzzard Rock you can see Mt. Rogers and nearby Whitetop Mountain. The trail is a moderate steady climb through woods and high meadows. Enjoy it on a clear day, but expect some cooler temperatures at this high elevation.

Start this hike from the Elk Garden parking lot. The main hike to and from Buzzard Rock is 6.6 miles. Since it was so close, when we got back to the car, we added another .6 miles to go the opposite way on the Appalachian Trail from the parking lot to enjoy the views from the summit of Elk Garden.

Mile 2.5 – A spring is marked on the left side of the trail and is a reliable water source. Shortly after the spring, the trail dips down into the woods and starts to ascend again.

Mile 3.2 – The trail emerges out of the woods into a large open bald [BR7] on the top of the mountain. Expansive views are all around.

Mile 3.3 – Arrive at Buzzard Rock, a small outcropping steered to directly from the trail with the best views from the meadow. From here, you will see the white-blazed Appalachian Trail continues south. Approaching Buzzard Rock you will also see a trail to the right that leads to a higher part on Whitetop Road that connects to Whitetop Mountain. From Buzzard Rock, you can see Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. Return the way you came, heading north on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.

I did this hike with a variation, I took the old AT up to the road to summit Whitetop Mountain then took the road back down to the regular AT crossing. I think this might be an even better route, since the AT has a half-mile through the forest before it emerges at Buzzard Rock. The road to the summit is spectacular. It tightly switchbacks for hundreds of feet through grassy balds. If you do this mini-loop you'll get non-stop views when you reach Buzzard Rock and turn around. Either way this section of the AT is beautiful and underused. The only people I saw during the entire hike were cars climbing up the road, and of course cars at Elk Garden. If you think Grayson Highlands is too crowded and don't want to pay the entrance fee, hike here.